…"If My people who bear My name, humble themselves and pray and seek My presence and turn from their wicked ways, I Myself will hear from Heaven and forgive their sins…" (2 Chron. 7:14) – "You will see that in prayer you will find more knowledge, more light, more strength, more grace and virtue than you could ever achieve by reading many books, or by great studies. Never consider as wasted the time you spend in prayer. You will discover that in prayer God communicates to you the light, strength and grace you need…" (Sr Lucia dos Santos)

CHRIST THE KING: HE POSSESSES DOMINION OVER ALL CREATURES

19Nov

For Part I on Our Lord Jesus Christ the King please click here. Thank you.

… And the source from which this power and dignity of our Lord is established, Cyril of Alexandria fittingly indicates: “He possesses dominion, if I may use the word, over all creatures, a dominion not seized by violence, nor usurped from anyone, but his by essence and nature.” It is evident that his dominion is gloriously manifested in that marvellous union, which is called hypostatic. From this it follows, not only that Christ is to be adored as God by angels and by men, but that angels and men are obedient and subject to his dominion as man. Indeed, that even by the doctrine of the hypostatic union alone, Christ possesses power over all created things.

And now, that we may explain in a few words the import and the nature of his headship, it is hardly necessary to say that it consists in a threefold power. If this power were lacking, the headship could scarcely be discerned. The testimonies deduced and announced in the sacred Scriptures concerning the universal dominion of our Redeemer make that very thing more than clear enough. And it is an article of the Catholic faith, that Christ Jesus was given to mankind especially as a Redeemer for those who put their faith in him, but at the same time as a lawgiver for those who obey him.

And not only do the Gospels relate that he established laws, but they exhibit him in the act of establishing laws. Truly, whosoever shall keep these commandments, are said by the divine Master, in other passages and in other words, to demonstrate their love for him, and to intend to remain in his love. Jesus himself announces the judiciary power assigned to him by the Father, when accused by the Jews of having broken the Sabbath day of rest by the miraculous cure of a sick man: “For neither does the Father judge any man, but has given all judgment to the Son.” And therein is included (because the case is inseparable from the judgment) that by his law he may confer rewards and punishments upon men still living. But, moreover, that power, which is called executive power, is to be attributed to Christ, seeing that it is necessary that all men obey his rule. Indeed, it is made clear to the refractory by the imposition of penalties, which no man can escape.